Novel matrix proteins of Pteria penguin pearl oyster shell nacre homologous to the jacalin-related β-prism fold lectins

PLoS One. 2014 Nov 6;9(11):e112326. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112326. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Nacreous layers of pearl oyster are one of the major functional biominerals. By participating in organic compound-crystal interactions, they assemble into consecutive mineral lamellae-like photonic crystals. Their biomineralization mechanisms are controlled by macromolecules; however, they are largely unknown. Here, we report two novel lectins termed PPL2A and PPL2B, which were isolated from the mantle and the secreted fluid of Pteria penguin oyster. PPL2A is a hetero-dimer composed of α and γ subunits, and PPL2B is a homo-dimer of β subunit, all of which surprisingly shared sequence homology with the jacalin-related plant lectin. On the basis of knockdown experiments at the larval stage, the identification of PPLs in the shell matrix, and in vitro CaCO3 crystallization analysis, we conclude that two novel jacalin-related lectins participate in the biomineralization of P. penguin nacre as matrix proteins. Furthermore, it was found that trehalose, which is specific recognizing carbohydrates for PPL2A and is abundant in the secreted fluid of P. penguin mantle, functions as a regulatory factor for biomineralization via PPL2A. These observations highlight the unique functions, diversity and molecular evolution of this lectin family involved in the mollusk shell formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Shells / chemistry
  • Animal Shells / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / chemistry*
  • Lectins / chemistry*
  • Pinctada / chemistry*
  • Pinctada / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Structural Homology, Protein

Substances

  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Lectins

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (No. 20350073) and Scientific Research on the Innovative Area “Fusion Materials” (No. 23107505) from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan, and “Program Research” in the Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Tohoku University. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.